Parenting is one of life’s greatest blessings and one of life’s greatest responsibilities. At Rockwell Church, we want to encourage and support parents as they seek to raise their children to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.
Whether you are dedicating your first child or another child in your family, we would be honored to celebrate and pray with you.
Parent/Child Dedication is a special time when parents publicly commit themselves to raising their children according to God’s Word and relying on His grace and wisdom every step of the way.
What Is Parent/Child Dedication?
Parent/Child Dedication is a public commitment by parents to raise their child in a Christ-centered home. It is also a time for our church family to pray for, encourage, and support families as they seek to point their children toward Jesus.
Children are a gift from God, and dedication reminds us that they ultimately belong to Him.
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”
Psalm 127:3
The biblical foundation for dedication is seen in passages such as 1 Samuel 1:27-28, where Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, Luke 2:22, where Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple, and Deuteronomy 6:5-7, where parents are instructed to teach God’s truth diligently to their children.
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength… Impress them on your children.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
God’s primary plan for spiritual influence begins in the home.
What Parent/Child Dedication Is Not
Parent/Child Dedication is not salvation. It does not make a child a Christian, remove sin, or guarantee future faith.
It is also not baptism. At Rockwell Church, we believe baptism is for those who have personally trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and are ready to publicly profess their faith.
Dedication is a commitment by parents, before God and the church, to faithfully point their child toward Christ.
Expectations for Parents
Parents participating in Parent/Child Dedication are committing to:
- Pursue a growing relationship with Jesus Christ
- Regularly worship and grow with a local church family
- Model Christlike love and godly character in the home
- Teach their child God’s Word and the gospel
- Pray for their child and spiritual growth
- Trust God with their child’s future
This commitment is not made in your own strength. Parenting requires wisdom, patience, grace, and dependence on the Lord. Our church family wants to walk alongside you and encourage you along the way.
We know no parent does this perfectly. Parent/Child Dedication is not about perfect families, but about parents seeking to honor God and lead their children toward Christ.
What Happens During the Dedication?
During a worship service:
- Parents and children will be invited forward
- A pastor will briefly explain the meaning of dedication
- Parents will publicly affirm their commitment
- A pastor will pray over each child and family
- The church family will commit to supporting and encouraging these families
Families will also receive a certificate to remember this special occasion.
Family and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate with you.
Who Can Participate?
Parent/Child Dedication is open to parents or guardians who desire to raise their child in a Christ-centered home and point them toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
We recognize every family situation is unique. Single parents, blended families, adoptive families, and guardians are welcome to participate.
While many children are dedicated as infants, children of any age may participate.
Is There a Class?
No class is required. We will simply communicate with participating families ahead of time so you know what to expect during the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parent/Child Dedication the same as baptism?
No. At Rockwell Church, we believe baptism is for those who have personally trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and are ready to publicly profess their faith.
Because infants and young children are not yet able to personally respond to the gospel in faith, we practice Parent/Child Dedication rather than infant baptism.
Why doesn’t Rockwell Church practice infant baptism?
While infant baptism is practiced in some church traditions, we believe the New Testament pattern consistently shows baptism following personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Examples throughout the Book of Acts show people hearing the gospel, believing in Christ, and then being baptized.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41
Christian author and pastor Erwin Lutzer in his book, “The Doctrines That Divide” (Kregel Publications, 1998, 117-138) notes that even many defenders of infant baptism acknowledge there is no clear example in the New Testament of infants being baptized. He explains that infant baptism developed later in church history as some churches began teaching that baptism itself communicated saving grace and spiritual regeneration.
At Rockwell Church, we believe salvation comes through personal faith in Jesus Christ alone, not through a religious ceremony or sacrament. One danger of infant baptism is that it can lead people to wrongly believe they were made Christians as infants rather than needing to personally repent, believe the gospel, and trust in Christ for salvation.
For these reasons, we believe the New Testament pattern is believer’s baptism following personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Does dedication save my child?
No. Dedication is not salvation and does not guarantee future faith.
Every person must personally respond to the gospel and place their trust in Jesus Christ.
Parent/Child Dedication is a commitment by parents to faithfully raise their child to know God and hear the truth of the gospel.
Can single parents or adoptive families participate?
Absolutely. We recognize every family situation is unique. Single parents, blended families, adoptive families, and guardians are welcome to participate in Parent/Child Dedication.
Is there an age limit for dedication?
No. While Parent/Child Dedication is most commonly done for infants and young children, parents may dedicate children of any age who have not yet personally trusted Christ and been baptized.
What should we wear?
Many families choose to wear something nice for the occasion, but there is no required dress code.
Ready to Dedicate Your Child?
We would love to celebrate this meaningful step with your family.
Please contact the pastor or email staff@rockwell.church to setup a good time and to ask any questions.